12 members of the rambling group followed in historical footsteps today to complete a 10 mile circular walk from Chester to Eccleston on the route named as a pilgrimage walk. Starting at Chester station we walked into the outskirts of the city into Grosvenor Park then downwards onto the banks of the River Dee. Following the tow path as far as the suspension bridge, we crossed the river to the opposite side and accessed the route through the Chester Meadows on lands which historically have belonged to Earl of Chester
Continuing the paths alongside the river it was not long before we encountered areas still partially flooded due to the recent heavy rains, and of course the mud which accompanies it! This obviously slowed down the walk but we all survived unscathed with no slips or falls. Crossing various meadows and muddy pathways we took the path under the busy A55 expressway to North Wales and eventually arrived at our halfway point, the picturesque village of Eccleston. The church at Eccleston is called St Mary’s Church and was built at the expense of the 1st Duke of Westminster and cost £40,000 in 1899. It was built on the site of an earlier church that was constructed in 1809. Part of the churchyard is unusual in that it is circular in shape, which indicates pagan origins. In 1929 an excavation revealed 20 bodies which are believed to date from 390 AD. They are the earliest known Christian burials in Cheshire. Having had a quick lunch in the grounds of the immaculate churchyard we continued through the village which is situated on the estate of the Duke of Westminster who maintains his ancestral home at nearby Eaton Hall. From here we took the aptly named Dukes Drive through woodland and the country park, all still own by the Duke. Arriving back in the outskirts of the city we took the route along the city walls, past the Roodee racecourse and had a brief stop at the Architect pub for a well deserved drink. Thankfully we chose to sit outside under warm heaters, as the majority of us wore seriously mud encrusted boots which we felt were a little too dirty for such a lovely establishment. Suitable refreshed we continued along the city walls to the canal and then onward back to the train. We were lucky with the weather which was dry and we even had a brief glimpse of sunshine! Thankfully the flooding which I encountered on the recce had subsided and we were able to complete the full 10 mile circuit without having to divert via random fields and climb gates as on the recce. Although a flat walk it was very enjoyable though there were some very tired legs on the train home! Sleep well fellow ramblers!